Former Crystal Palace defender Brede Hangeland has announced his retirement from professional football.

The ex-Norway international spent six years at Fulham before joining Palace in the summer of 2014.

Hangeland played 21 league games for the Eagles and was released by the club at the end of last season.

The 35-year-old told Sky Sports: “I've thought long and hard about my footballing career and I've decided it’s my time to end it.

“I'm announcing my retirement after a long time, and half of that time in this lovely country.

“You can choose to be sad that it’s over or be happy that it happened.

“I feel so fortunate. I couldn't have dreamed of all the experiences and lessons in all the games I've played so it’s sad when it comes to an end.

“I think it’s important to know when the time is right to finish, and with the aches and pains, I'm 35-years old and I feel I can't do the job I want to do anymore so it's time to move on.”

Follow us on Twitter @NewsShopperSprt